The Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology (WGCIT) in Salinas hosted its May Lunch & Learn, featuring Tony Alameda of Topflavor Farms.

Dennis Donohue, Executive Director of the WGCIT, introduced Tony to a packed house of agtech startups, reminiscing about his radicchio sales days when Tony achieved double the yields on a challenging chicory crop. This success solidified Tony’s reputation for excellence.

Tony Alameda, a name synonymous with innovation and tradition in the agricultural sector, has been a guiding force in the industry. A second-generation farmer, Tony, alongside his family, has cultivated Topflavor Farms into a beacon of diverse and sustainable farming. Established in 1983 in Fremont, California, and known for its vegetable production across California and Mexico, the company has flourished under his leadership. Tony’s vision led
to the expansion into the Salinas and San Juan Valleys, where Topflavor Farms now produces over two dozen different commodities. Growing up farming in the desert, Tony remembers working hard from a young age.

Tony’s influence extends beyond the fields. As a co-founder of Sabor Farms and former Chair of the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California’s Board of Directors, he has been at the forefront of agricultural innovation, especially during the challenging times of the global pandemic. His commitment to community and collaboration was evident when he co-founded Sabor Farms after a chance meeting with Jess Quinlan, proving that great ideas can sprout from simple conversations.

Addressing agtech startups, Tony shared insights from his family’s strategic move to the Salinas Valley, leveraging its perfect Mediterranean climate and diverse soils to grow a variety of crops. His advice to these budding entrepreneurs was clear: partner with stakeholders who are as passionate about innovation as they are about agriculture. These are the partners who will embrace new technologies and see them through to fruition.

Tony’s approach to farming is a blend of embracing new technologies and honoring time-tested methods. His openness to trying new technological solutions is balanced by the wisdom to recognize that sometimes, traditional ways are the smartest. This philosophy has not only made him an excellent farmer but also a respected leader in the agricultural community.

The best advice Tony had for the WGCIT innovators was to not drop off samples to a grower and run. Farmers want to see the product or service work in the field. Most growers are open to trying new things, but the entrepreneurs must do the work with them. For those who would like to learn more, please listen to Tony’s interview with the Platform 10 Podcast.

For more information about joining the WGCIT and having access to its monthly Lunch & Learn events with growers, visit the Center’s website here.